ASUS ZenFone AR Ready To Tango Unlocked With Daydream VR Support

If you’ve been following the exploits of ASUS’ ZenFone AR smartphone, then you’ll be happy to know that it is now available to order in the United States. If you want to go the carrier route, Verizon Wireless will happily sell you the device for $648 outright, or for $27/month for 24 months.

ZenPhone AR smartphones purchased from Verizon come with a QualcommSnapdragon 821 processor, 6GB RAM, 128GB internal storage, and a 5.7-inch WQHD (1440 x 2560) AMOLED display. However, you can bypass the carrier altogether and go with an unlocked version of the ZenPhone AR. And this is where the RAM/storage configurations get mixed up a bit.

For $599, you can get a ZenFone AR with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage -- this model is currently in stock at Amazon. Forking over $699 will get you the same phone with a massive 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Amazon says that this version will be in stock starting August 6th.

No matter which version of the ZenFone AR you choose, you’ll find ASUS’ 23MP PixelMaster 3.0 camera system that is backed by the Sony IMX318 image sensor and the TriTech Autofocus system. More importantly, the “AR” portion of its name sheds light on its augmented reality capabilities, which are afforded by its Google Project Tango support. Tango can be used for tasks such as indoor navigation, home remodeling projects, and immersive gaming (among other things). Currently, there are nearly three dozen apps in the Google Play Store that support Tango.

In addition to Tango, the ZenFone AR also supports Google’s Daydream VR initiative. When combined with the Daydream View headset, the ZenFone AR will be capable of delivering compelling virtual reality experiences ranging from gaming to enjoying YouTube content in 360 degrees.

“The Zenfone AR represents a significant achievement for ASUS in North America,” said Mike Finley, senior vice president, and president, Qualcomm North America and Australia. “Powered by the Snapdragon 821 Mobile Platform, the ZenFone AR is the first announced device to bring both AR and VR capabilities to consumers.”

While the appearance of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor — instead of the current powerhouse Snapdragon 835 — may be off-putting to some, it appears that the ZenFone AR has more than enough going for it to make it a contender in the flagship smartphone market. This would especially be true for those that are interested in AR and VR content.